The Devil's Business (2012)

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

I don't get why so many here are accusing this film of 'ripping off' Kill List. It's obviously and occult version of Harold Pinter's play The Dumbwaiter... given an occult twist. One of the characters is even named 'Pinner' as a nod to its inspiration. In truth, the earlier parts of the movie, that more closely resemble that play, are a lot creepier than the later, bloodier, bits. Still, it's a good show and kept me entertained all the way through. It is very minimal... just a few (good) actors and a couple of filming locations... but what need would it have for more? As it is it makes perfect sense without a bunch of unnecessary bloat to dilute its story. I'd be quite interested to see what it's creators make next.

A clear rip-off of Ben Wheatley's KILL LIST, THE DEVIL'S BUSINESS is a hopeless travesty of a film. Shot almost entirely in the dark with mainly just two actors on the screen, it sees a couple of hit-man - a seasoned professional and his rookie apprentice - visiting a house to carry out a hit. Once there they find the place deserted so they sit round for about an hour of screen time, waiting for him to show up.The story is extraordinarily low budget so this needed a fantastic script to make up for it. Sadly there isn't one. The acting is hopeless, particularly on the part of the inexperienced younger guy, but it's the dialogue that crushes the life from this one. There's a ten minute monologue which is one of the dullest ever and has no real connection to the central story, as tenuous as that is. It appears somebody researched the life of Aleister Crowley and decided to do a modern-day version of the tale but the effort is entirely unsuccessful. Indeed THE DEVIL'S BUSINESS is the worst horror film I've seen in a long time, and that comes from somebody frequently exposed to the worst late-night excesses of The Horror Channel.

This film benefits by taking the time to develop an interesting dynamic between the two lead characters. The "old pro" vs the "rookie" is a shopworn premise, but it's carried off with good humour and even pathos here. We definitely care what might happen to both of them. Because the movie takes its time on character development, the surprising finale has all the more impact. I say "surprising" even though the film's title is somewhat of a spoiler, because the screenplay and narrative remains firmly in a realistic mode until the closing segment. The demonic character appears at the end and reveals that he was always in control of the situation, and in a most horrific manner. The actor portraying a man in league with the Devil employs an understated style that only adds to his menace. This film is the opposite of the all too-often comic bookish treatment of this familiar cautionary tale, and it stands out from the pack because of it. The subdued deep blue lighting, both inside and outdoors, lends an air of oppressive claustrophobia and impending doom. This film is a fine example of how a good idea, good screenplay, and good acting can turn a very low budget affair into a gem. Independent horror at its best.

Two hit men arrive at a house under instruction to kill the guy who lives there. They sit around talking waiting for him to get home, one of 'em goes for a Pooh just as he gets back. Timing, eh?The cast, all four of them, are very good, especially Billy Clarke as Pinner, the elder, experienced hit-man. His unblinking 10 minute monologue is flipping ace, a great, weighty centrepoint of the film. The majority of the runtime is the verbal exchange between the two hit men, there is gore and jump scares but they're not over used and the script will hold your attention as it creates a nice creeping tension.The only weak point is the very end of the film, without giving anything away, it gets, we thought, a little silly. It's a let-down, but a forgivable one as the hour leading up to it was so enjoyable and well made.Well worth a purchase/rental!